Folkestone & Hythe District Council Monthly Update: June 2026
A monthly bulletin from F&HDC. This month: Community green schemes, Extra bins and crews to tackle beach litter, Green investment for council homes, Positive steps for Otterpool Park, New District Council Chair, Ward budget scheme, Paws for Thought community day on 7 June, Protecting residents from scams, and Cameras for traffic officers.
Monthly briefing – June 2026
Funding for community green schemes
A £250,000 package of support for organisations to deliver sustainable and carbon reducing projects in the Folkestone and Hythe district has been agreed.
The new funding follows two previous district council Green Grant schemes. These have seen a wide range of schemes brought forward aimed at cutting carbon emissions, improving public spaces and creating long term benefits for the district’s communities.
This third round of funding welcomes applications for four categories of funding and bids have to be received by Friday 17 July. Applications can be made on the Folkestone Works website.
Extra bins and crews to tackle beach litter
The council is employing a range of measures to keep the district clean and litter-free, particularly at key coastal hotspots.
Building on the success of five solar‑powered compactor bins installed last summer, a further five bins each with the ability to hold up to 570 litres of waste are being introduced this year, doubling capacity at busy areas along the district’s coastline.
An additional 23 purple bulk bins, each holding up to 1,100 litres, will also be in place during peak periods to make it as easy as possible for visitors to dispose of their rubbish. Crews will also operate an increased collection schedule, emptying these bins multiple times a day when required.
Two zero‑emission e‑bike collection bikes will return during the summer months, allowing crews to access hard‑to‑reach areas that larger vehicles cannot.
Green investment for council homes
The district council has begun its first dedicated solar installation programme for council-owned homes.
The two-year contract is expected to deliver roof-mounted solar panels to 250 properties and is part of the council’s campaign to reduce the carbon footprint of its housing stock.
Properties have been selected based on current energy performance and suitability in supporting the council to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and helping to reduce tenants’ energy bills.
Positive steps forward for Otterpool Park
A crucial part of the Otterpool Park development has been approved taking the project a step closer to delivery.
Plans for wastewater treatment works, associated wetlands and a primary substation – submitted by Otterpool Park LLP – have been approved by Kent County Council.
The positive decision on the application follows the renewed collaboration agreement between Folkestone & Hythe District Council and Homes England - the government’s housing and regeneration agency.
New district council chair
Cllr Paul Thomas won the unanimous support of his fellow councillors at the council’s annual meeting to take on the role of chair for the coming year. Cllr Tony Cooper will continue as the vice chair.
Cllr Thomas, who was elected to the council in 2023 representing the New Romney ward, is also a New Romney town councillor.
Ward budget scheme
Each of the district’s 30 councillors has a ward budget of up to £5000 to support community projects.
The scheme is now open and more information on the council website explains the type of organisations that can benefit from the scheme about how to apply.
Updated dog walking map as pets get own event on 7 June
Dog owners across the district are being encouraged to make the most of the outdoors this summer with the launch of an updated dog-walking map.
Available on the Folkestone & Hythe District Council website, the map brings together key information on dog friendly places. It also details where seasonal restrictions are in place between 1 May and 30 September.
As a dog friendly district, the council has again teamed up with Folkestone RSPCA to run a free Paws for Thought community day in Radnor Park, Folkestone, on Sunday 7 June (10am–3pm).
Protecting residents from scams
The council’s community safety team is leading a community safety event to help residents protect themselves and their families against scams.
Spot the Scam is on Friday 19 June 2026, from 10.30am to 3pm, at Age UK, Sandford House, Stade Street, Hythe, Kent, CT21 6BD.
Representatives from Kent Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Digital Kent, Wave Community Bank, Ashford Mediation Service and Refer Kent. NatWest Bank are due to attend.
Cameras for traffic officers
Parking enforcement officers in the Folkestone & Hythe district are to be equipped with body worn cameras to help support evidence gathering and safety whilst they are working.
The council’s parking enforcement partner Marstons/NSL are issuing teams with body worn video devices.
The cameras will not be used for parking enforcement. Officers will begin recording if they feel they are in a situation where it will support with their safety.